Massena Town Board appoints five to library board

The Massena Town Board approved five appointments during a special meeting Wednesday morning - Linda McDonald to a term that expires Dec. 31, 2012, Mark Englert to a term that expires Dec. 31, 2013, Emily Hutchison to a term that expires Dec. 31, 2014, Jack Baines to a term to that expires Dec. 31, 2015 and Robert Manning to a term that expires Dec. 31, 2016.

They replace former President John Acton, former Vice President Richard Geiser and former board members Barbara DeLine, Pamela Ouimet, Michael Gleason and Lisa C. Bero, who all resigned. Ms. Bero was the last remaining member of the previous board until her resignation on June 20.

Director Lynn Fountain also left after a year of service next month. She was replaced on an interim basis by retired Director Paul L. Schaffer, who is being paid $20 per hour for a maximum of three hours per day. Mr. Schaffer will continue until a new director is appointed by the new board.

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Gray said they initially had nearly two dozen applications for the board positions following the resignations.

Some were eliminated because they did not meet the state Education Departments residency requirement of being able to vote in the town of Massena, according to Councilman Charles A. Raiti.

Others were eliminated from the pool of candidates because there may have been a conflict of interest in the past or present, Mr. Gray said.

Town board members whittled the number of resumes down to 14, but Mr. Gray said some of those who were under consideration for a board position declined the offer.

Some were recommended but said thanks, but no thanks, he said.

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